By Tom Donelson

Writer's Note: While on vacation in Great Britain, I had the opportunity to talk boxing with Simon Block, the chairman of British Boxing Council in Cardiff, Wales.

Simon Block, the chairman of the British Boxing Council, has much to be proud of.  Mr. Block pointed out, "We have four fighters with shares of titles. With Calzaghe and Hatton, we have two that are the best of their division."  Calzaghe shellacking of Lacy gave British boxing a much deserve shot in the arm and recognition that, indeed, boxing across the pond is doing very well. 

Calzaghe was one of the longest reigning champions over the past decade and unknown to most boxing fans in America.  While I was not surprised at the Calzaghe recent win over Jeff Lacy, (I did pick him to win by a close decision), I was taken back by the ease of the victory.   Calzaghe is but a tip of the iceberg as British boxers are challenging for various titles.  In the featherweight division, WBO champion Scott Harrison has an opportunity with the right fights to claim the top place among the 126 pounds pugilistic. (Recent Chris John upset of Juan Marquez has opened up the division, which is both deep but evenly matched at the top.) 

Clinton Woods finally grabbed a portion of the Light heavyweight division when he captured the IBF title and now there is talk of Woods-Calzaghe, which would be a big money fight for both men. And if Calzaghe finds a way to defeat Woods, an even bigger money fight against Antonio Tarver is just above the horizon.

Then there is Ricky Hatton, who is headed for a possible big money fight versus Floyd Mayweather.  Block mentioned that he is hoping that this fight happens in the next 12 months with Hatton at his peak but wonders if Mayweather's hand speed would prove the decisive factor.  Another factor is Hatton heart as Block stated, "Ricky has character, he will do anything to win." 

We both discussed the Mayweather-Jose Castillo fight, in which the Mexican gave all that Mayweather could handle over 24 rounds. Castillo is a similar fighter like Hatton. He took Mayweather's best while inflicting his own damage.  Hatton showed in the Kotsya Tszyu bout that he could take a punch.  The Manchester brawler is bringing his act to the states with the idea of picking up American fans and hopefully setting up a big pay-per-view event with Mayweather.

During our tour of the British Boxing Council office, Mr. Block gave a brief history lesson of British boxing while showing off many of the championship belts held in the main board room. Block showed me the heavyweight belt worn by Charley Mitchell while regaling me with stories about the great 19th century British heavyweight.  Mitchell fought both Gentleman Jim Corbett and John L. Sullivan for their heavyweight title. (While Mitchell lost both fights, he did have Sullivan down twice in the first round before succumbing to the great American heavyweight in the third.)

In the center of the boardroom is a famous picture of the great Welsh featherweight Jimmy Driscoll in center ring with Joe Bowker by artist Howard Robinson.  This picture contained much of the British boxing establishment watching Driscoll winning the British title by a 17th round stoppage.  In downtown Cardiff stands a statue of Driscoll, who  brought so much pride to Wales and British boxing. 

There was a time that being the champion of the British Commonwealth was almost the equivalent of the being the world champion, but the British Empire no longer exists. What does exist is the proud history of the accomplishments of British boxers.

Lets not forget that it was not that long ago that Great Britain could boast of having control of the Heavyweight division during the reign of Lennox Lewis. Lennox Lewis retired as one of the great Heavyweights in the history of the sport.